Submitted by Washougal School District
Washougal School District is expanding the hybrid learning model that started in January to include middle school students. Following Washington State Department of Health guidelines for school reopening that were updated in December, the district will begin the hybrid learning model with two-day per week in-person instruction for students in grades six through eight. The hybrid model features both school and remote learning components.
“We are fortunate to be able to welcome the next group back in-person,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent. “This will be a huge support to our students and their families, and make so much more learning possible.”
The updated state guidelines include new metrics, based on emerging research and data gathered by state and national officials, that allow schools to have increased in-person learning opportunities for students.
Schedules for each middle school are posted on the WSD website, along with other helpful information for families making the transition from distance learning to the hybrid model, such as health, safety, and transportation details.
The WSD timeline calls for grade six to begin the hybrid model starting Thursday, February 11, 2021. Grades seven and eight would begin the hybrid learning model starting Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Students are placed in small cohorts, with about half the students in each. They will be assigned their group alphabetically by their guardian’s last name.
“We’re building flexible options, so students and families can choose hybrid, but they also have the option of staying in fully remote learning,” said Renae Burson McMurray, Assistant Superintendent. “If they choose remote learning, they’ll still be able to participate in classes each day. They can have meaningful interactions via videoconferencing with their teacher and peers.”
According to state guidance, plans for high school will be available once the spread of COVID in our community declines to about 200 cases per 100,000 averaged over 14 days. “We are appreciative of the steps everyone is taking to reduce the spread of COVID, so we bring back our middle school students. In order to serve more students in our classrooms safely, each of us must wear masks, watch our distance, and wash our hands,” added Templeton.
For more information visit the WSD website.
